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Think Tank
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Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.
Editorials
Members
Commissions
Think Tank
Image Licensing
About
Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.
FCS-ID: 021/FCS070925—212
LOCATION: MARRAKESH, MOROCCO
DATE: JULY, 2025
FCS-ID: 021/FCS070925—212
The drive was bumpy, warm and the windows looked onto scenes that slowly transitioned from streets of pedestrians to long-stretching roads characterized by desert brush, rolling hills and dirt the same color as terracotta tagines found on the stoves of Moroccan homes. In between traffic sat sprawling areas of grass grown in cement boxes painted with red stripes; a man tended to the greenery with a cerulean hose under the radiating African sun.
The weather app claimed that the outside air sat at 27 degrees Celsius, and that it would feel like 31. Bracing themselves, the doors opened and the warm breeze flowed in. Stepping out, the photographers realized that under the shady coverings of the pathways, it actually felt quite nice. From there, with cameras hung from their necks, the group was off to immerse themselves in the hustle and bustle of the medina where tea and spices sit in baskets and the sound of craftsmen’s hammers touch the ears of all who visit. To beat the heat, Moroccans all around wore long linen pants and long-sleeved shirts while consuming hot tea, a common regional practice.
“I immediately felt like I was back at home,” Jinane said about being in the region. “It was nice to hear my mother tongue across the alleys and through the medina, it was nice to see the alley cats — it’s hard to describe what it feels like being there, but it’s beautiful.” Moroccan born, she says when she is in her home country she aims to allocate at least one day of her visit to spending time in The Medina of Marrakesh, highlighting its stake in the lives of Moroccans.
Upon arrival, a 325-year-old tea house named 1112 Marrakesh became a resting spot for the group where tea named after the 12 Moroccan regions was served under towering birds of paradise and fiddle leaf trees. The group went to the shady riad twice throughout the day to recharge after walking and shooting in the medina. Historic architectural artifacts and stained glass were sprinkled throughout the teahouse which made the stroll around the riad even more special. On the top floors, a preserved roof from the year 1700 was on display.
“It was crazy being around something older than the country I was born and raised in,” Matt said.
Outside, motorcycles sped through the alley in between shops nestled into the historic walls. Before turning the corner, the bikes — typically seating two people at a time — would roar around the corner to signal their presence and, without fail, dodged the crowd despite being a hairs-length away from toes, arms and shoulders; a beautiful tango between medina patrons and the two-wheeled machines powering primary transportation around the city.
Throughout the day, the photographers noted how different it felt to shoot in Marrakesh as opposed to other Moroccan cities they’d been earlier in the week. In the tucked away streets of Casablanca for instance, people of all ages happily asked for their photos to be taken, whereas in the busy Medina, vendors and locals are used to the photographers and visitors in their space.
“This was a more intimidating space because the traffic made you be face to face with people more often, both locals and tourists,” explained Andrea. “The people were a little irritated with cameras since they see them so often, so you really had to build up the courage to talk to people. Sometimes it didn’t work, but when it did, all the panicked feelings I felt before asking for a photo went away. It was worth it.”
Before heading off for the day, the group stumbled across a group of young boys in football jerseys sitting and waiting for their coach to bring them a ball. Since Jinane speaks Dirija, she was able to immediately strike up a conversation with them where they spoke about the game and exchanged jokes. She said that speaking with the boys about football in her native language felt like speaking with family.
“When they mentioned they were waiting for a ball, my eyes lit up,” Jinane recalled. “Moroccan culture and life is all about giving back. We were happy to provide, and when we gave them dirhams to go grab a ball, they quickly ran there and back ball in hand to begin playing. I know they will cherish that moment forever.”
While driving away from the medina, the boys were juggling and running through the park alongside our van, smiles plastered across their faces.